EASTERN PROMISES (2007)

Director: David Cronenberg

Cinematographer: Peter Suschitzky, ASC

Restaurant Scene

Sauna Scene

TECHNICAL SPECS

Camera: Arricam LT and ST
Format: 35mm, 1.85:1
Lenses: Cooke S4 Prime lenses
Film Stock: Kodak Vision2 500T 5218
Key Innovation: Clinical lighting approach for violent scenes

SUSCHITZKY'S APPROACH

Philosophy: "Clinical anomie with controlled color palette"
Signature: Precise composition with minimal camera movement
Innovation: Stark contrast between warm interiors and cold exteriors
Style: Desaturated color palette with selective color emphasis

LIGHTING SETUP

Restaurant Scenes: Warm amber practical lighting with controlled shadows
London Exteriors: Cold blue tones with minimal fill
Steam Room Fight: Harsh overhead lighting with minimal shadows
Hospital Scenes: Clinical fluorescent lighting with slight green cast

VISUAL STRATEGY

Precise framing with minimal camera movement
Contrast between warm Russian interiors and cold London exteriors
Stark, clinical approach to violence
Selective use of color to highlight emotional moments

RECREATION NOTES

Use practical sources as primary lighting with minimal fill
Employ precise, locked-down camera positions
Create contrast between warm and cold color temperatures
Utilize medium-length lenses (35-50mm) for naturalistic perspective
For steam room scenes, use harsh overhead lighting with minimal diffusion